The show must go on.
The popular Cellophonics, who were scheduled to play at Tauranga Art Gallery this weekend, have had to cancel - but not without offering a stunning act in their place.
Cello prodigy Santiago Canon Valencia will perform a solo concert at the gallery instead.
The 16-year-old from Colombia is
a familiar figure to Tauranga audiences. He performed at the gallery with Cellophonics last year and performed a solo recital with the pianist Katherine Austin three years ago - when he was just 13.
Valencia took the top prize at the Beijing International Cello Competition in October and received rave reviews for his performance of the Shostakovich Concerto No1 with the Auckland Chamber Orchestra in April.
James Tennant, an internationally popular cellist and Valencia's teacher at the University of Waikato, says Valencia is on the pathway to a huge international career.
"We in New Zealand are very lucky to be able to witness his talent and development during these special years in Aotearoa."
The works Valencia will play at the Tauranga Art Gallery are included on his first CD recording of 20th century works for solo cello, which will be made for the Atoll record label this year.
They include the popular Suite by the famous Spanish cellist Gaspar Cassado - a work that is filled with the exotic sounds of the Amazon region with its plentiful birdsong. In addition, the tour de force for some music-lovers will be Valencia's rendition of the solo sonata by the Hungarian composer Kodaly.
Valencia will perform in conjunction with the University of Waikato.
The concert will be held at Tauranga Art Gallery, Sunday, at 2pm. Entry is $5 for adults and gold coin donation for anyone under 18.
